This was an interestingly told mystery, as well as a story about mother-daughter relationships. Told in alternating viewpoints of mother and daughterThis was an interestingly told mystery, as well as a story about mother-daughter relationships. Told in alternating viewpoints of mother and daughter and jumping back and forth through timelines, as well as interspersed with texts, blog posts, and e-mails, it all sounds as though it might be a bit much to follow. However, McCreight has crafted it with ease. The mystery is the most intriguing aspect to the book, as a mother must discover what her daughter was really going through in her last few days- and knowing that she may not like what she finds. Although, nothing could be worse than believing her daughter jumped on her own volition.

The other aspect of this book is telling the mother’s story and uncovering the truth about the man who fathered her daughter. This part of the story is equally as interesting, but is told at a slower pace that lost my interest at times. However, the payoff is worth getting through the slower parts.

The writing style is not the most memorable, but I believe that McCreight is an author to watch as she hones her skills in future endeavors. The nods to Virginia Woolf added an interesting layer to the story while also adding depth to the teenager at the center of it all. I would recommend this read if you are looking for a mystery that unfolds while delving into the lives of those involved. It explores a mother-daughter relationship, as well as issues of peer pressure and bullying in a delicate yet honest manner....more